Most people, if they only knew it, could write a good book or play, paint a good picture, compose a fine oratorio; but it takes an unusually able person to get the book well reviewed, persuade a manager to bring the play out, sell the picture, or compass the performance of the oratorio; indeed, the more vigorous and original any one of these things may be, the more difficult will it prove to even bring it before the notice of the public.
"Luck or Cunning?"
Samuel Butler
I wish to hear you in grand opera or in oratorio-I wish to see you a great artist-that is something noble, something ambitious, something to work for day and night.
"Prince Fortunatus"
William Black
But at the words, "For He is slow to anger, and merciful," this should cease, and the succeeding phrases be given with all the graces that are permissible in cantabile singing; not in the hard, dry manner affected by some of the modern tenors in oratorio.
"Style in Singing"
W. E. Haslam